After the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, all living creatures developed a fear of man, including the race of mankind. But it was never meant to be. From the beginning of creation, we and the animals were meant to live in harmony with one another and with our loving Creator. The fateful day of mankind's fall changed everything. Now, thousands of years later, we all have the need of reprogramming by the Holy Spirit, as to learn that the only one to be feared is the Lord himself.
"The fear of the Lord, is the beginning of wisdom."Proverbs 9:10
There are some people who boast that they're not afraid of anything or anyone. But their actions, and many of our actions, seem to imply otherwise. Many people today live in an environment of fear, the "what if this or that were to happen" scenario. Others have phobias. Some have the fear of failing. However, every one of us have been trapped at one time or another by fears. It seems that for the majority of people, the fear of man is the worst kind of fear, only surpassed by the fear of death. Most of our actions or reactions stem from our thoughts of what other people may think, say or do. Only when we are willing to make decisions contrary to other people's opinions, including the majority, have we succeeded in overcoming the fear of man.
Many people today, especially in western civilization, are overly conscious of their actions and appearance. Celebrities, politicians, the rich, etc., have a great deal of influence on society's choices and decisions. The advertising and marketing industry also contributes to the fears. It's all about perception. People want to look good, feel good and "WOW" others. Most people would prefer that other people like them and accept them; approval is important. Some people are willing to go to great extremes to try to keep their jobs, looks, family or relationships together, all from of fear of losing them. (This emotional bondage can be very painful and terrifying.) The amount of time and preparation some people spend thinking about and/or getting ready to meet other people is incredible—just for going out on a date, on an interview, or perhaps a company dinner. Nothing is wrong with appearance or acceptance, but for many people it stems from the pride and the fear of rejection.
For the most part, we would like to get along with one another, even when we have differences of opinion. Sometimes we can do that by talking, negotiating and making concessions. (Choosing the right words and using the right tone of voice can also be helpful). Many times our differences deal with politics or religious beliefs. We need to learn to be patient and loving in order to get along. It seems the easiest thing for most of us to do is just go along with the crowd. "Don't make waves," people say. Especially when it comes to the boss, wife, or the church. That may be a nice gesture, but it is also usually a poor decision that can lead to future problems and/or outbursts from pent-up feelings.
When a man is placed in the role of leadership (whether political, business, church or marriage), he has been given the responsibility by God to do what he believes to be right (hopefully by listening to the Lord and sometimes godly counsel). Leadership is a great responsibility. Sometimes it requires us to be peacemakers, and that is good. But if we are not careful we can make big mistakes if fear is the motivation. Making right decisions is more important than keeping others happy. And it is the surest test of responsible leadership.
Why do people care so much about what others think or say? It's simple really, because we like or love them and would like them to feel the same about us. But, whose opinion or whose honor should matter the most? God's or man's? (Acts 5:29). Is there the possibility that some of our actions or non-actions come from fear and fearful hearts? The Bible teaches us that broad is the road that leads to destruction and narrow is the path that leads to life. Fears seek to control our destinies. The fear of man is the broad road. The fear of God is the narrow path.
In the Gospels, we repeatedly find situations where the Pharisees feared the people and at other times the people feared the Scribes and Pharisees. It may seem silly to us that they fear one another, yet 2000 years later we're not much different; every one of us seems to have failed many times because of fear. Only Jesus was completely successful in being fearless regarding anything or anyone. That is why it is important that we learn from Jesus how to break the fears that bind hearts and minds.
Throughout my life I have often battled this enemy—the fear of man/woman. As a former professional artist and teacher, I tried to please my customers and students because that was how I made a living. Before I was married I tried to please women. Now that I'm married I have a greater responsibility, and I would still like to please my wife and make her happy, but it doesn't mean I have always made the right decisions.
Whether it's a stranger, customer, friend or spouse, as sons of God our first obligation is to obey the Lord, regardless of what anyone else thinks, even though we may love them. I have not been as successful at that as I would have liked. Even though I love my wife, communication has not been one of my strong suits. I have often delayed in communicating things God wanted me to do or say, because I knew they would make her unhappy or cause an argument. I kept putting it off by making excuses to myself (There were some consequences, I learned later on, that because of my fears, it hindered my hearing and God communicated less with me.) During those times I felt like a coward and was often frustrated by my fear of telling her. But, I'm slowly learning to communicate, and God has been very patient with the both of us.
Even when I write these articles, some are very personal and sometimes I would prefer to be seen for impressive actions and great revelation knowledge. But I'm just a simple man who loves God, and by faith I try to do the right things. There are times when I don't like revealing my weaknesses or mistakes. Nor do I like writing things that have the possibility of hurting people or friends. I realize that sometimes I might write things that offend people (though such is not my intention), but I believe the truth needs to be told; hopefully I will do it with the right spirit. Therefore, I will continue to write what I believe God wants me to, and try to say it the way He wants. I will let the chips fall where they may.
Jesus is the best example to follow to help us overcome the fear of man.
There are many examples in the Bible of what happened to people who yielded to the fear of man. Here are some examples:
- Aaron — the first high priest of Israel. He made the Golden Calf (Israel's first idol) for the children of Israel to worship. He did so because he feared and, listened to the voice of the people." (Ex 32:21-25)
- King Saul — the first King of Israel. He disobeyed God and he, "...feared the people and listened to them." (I Sam. 15:24). God regretted that he had made Saul king of Israel.
- Simon Peter — the first leader of the Church. He denied knowing Jesus three times, because he feared the accusations of the people. (Luke 22:54-63)
- Caiaphas — the last High Priest of Israel mentioned in the New Testament. But, because of fear he, "...advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people." (John 18:14). It was also a prophecy.
- Pontius Pilate — the governor of Israel. He feared the crowds that were insisting on the death of Jesus, the Son of God and King of the Jews. Luke 23:24 reads, "And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted."
Here's something to think about: Whether you are a man or a woman, the next time you hesitate to speak up about what God is saying to you or asking you to do, maybe it would be a good idea to ask Jesus to reveal the true source or sources of your fears or hesitancy. Then repent from them, so as to avoid them in the future. Also, ask that Jesus teach you how to deal with those fears, and instead learn to fear the Lord and honor Him.
